The weekly messenger. [volume] (St. Martinsville [i.e. St. Martinville] La.) 1886-1948, 1887-01-22
The Lady of Lone Lake.

One beautiful summer evening I was
rowing with friend on one of those ro-
mantle lakes in the west of Ireland The
day had been a hot one. and the mid
summer sun looked like ball OF fire, as
it slowly sank behind the horizon.
1t was beautiful scene The lake lay
like a sheet of silver. To the right were
high banks fringed with dark trees, and
perpendicular cliffs almost hidden by
clnging vines. TO the let stretched
level meadows, dotted wi h era ing cat =
tie. Above US was the mellow sky, while
from the east arose the full moon to re-
place the fierce rays of the day god with
her mild radiance. In the distance we
could see the dark outlines OF al old
barOn;al castle. almost hide by inter
vening trees. This, my companion in
formed me, was Larrimoor Hall.
We laid aside our oars, and for time
foattd lcntly over the CLASSY surface
of the lake, enrautuIcd by tho beautiful
scene | was a yonng artist, living in
London at that time. and now taking my
summer vacation. 1t was my first VISIT
to the FINER Ill Isle and have been
wandering with delight among the ro-
mantle mountains, g!enS, and lakes, fill
ing my soul with beauty and my portfo-
lilo with sketches. NV companion was
the young Lord Of Glendale, whose &C
quaintance had made while travelling
on the continent. Happening to meet
him in my wanierugs, he had insisted
on my accompanying him to his country
seat, assuring me that the scenery around
it surpassed any tn ny had yet seen.
The scenery was indeed charming; but
as yet had been moe charmed with
my hosts fair sister Nora, who. as their
parents were dead, and the heir yet I'M
married.. was acting as the lady of Glen
dale
AS we foatcd the glow.'faded. and the
soft moonlight bathcd lake and rocks
and meadows with silver The lake was
quite isolatod, being on the border be-
tween the estates of Glendale and Lari-
moor, and was seldom visited by any
one but the members Of these two fami-
lies. Tonight we were its sole visitors
Imagine my surprise after floating for
some time in silence, to see a small boat
rowCd by a figure in white gliding
swiftly over the surface. ave are not
alone, said l, pointing to it.
"Ah," said my companion, that is
only a spectre. Did you never hear the
story Of the Lady of Lone Lakef"
NO." said /, "but she lows remarka-
bly, well for a spirit; let's chase" 1
seized the oars and rowed rapidly after
the reccding boat. As soon rs the rover
perceived that she was followed, she
turned her boat toward the high banks,
and in an instant disappeared mystic
riously among the ivv clad rocks. Out Of
breath l dropped the oars and said ::
TELL me the story of which you spoke. >
My companion, who had sat silent during
my rapid chase, smiled sadly as he began !:
The present Lord of Larrimoor, who
lives in the hall yonder, is a very hard,
stern man, and he rules everything in his
power with an iron hand. His wife, a
beautiful woman, has been dead these
many years. He married her to gain
possession of her large estate. While
wooing her he overcane his harsh man.
ners as much as his nature would permit.
But after the prize was fully his, he re-
Taxed into his natural icy sternness.
She lived most secluded life, and died
in few years, had one child. much like
its mother, only moro high-spirited. Her
father idolizcd her, and. until she was
twenty years old, never crossed her by
word or deed. Then his avsricious ma
tuye got the better Of his affection. He